Kibune shrine is located in Kibune village in the mountainous northern area of Kyoto. The cool summer climate of the mountains has long made the area a popular summer sightseeing destination. The ancient shrine is over 1600 years old, predating the city of Kyoto itself.

The large stone stairway lined with distinctive red lanterns at the entrance to the shrine is one of its most famous features. Kibune is actually a complex of three shrines, each of which holds its own appeal. The lower and most easily accessible is the most popular with visitors, while the small central shrine is notable for its striking location in an ancient cedar grove, and the upper shrine is the oldest, comprising the original Kibune Shrine.

Kibune Shrine is dedicated to Takaokami-no-kami, a god of rain and water. Japanese historical texts describe how people have prayed for rain at Kibune Shrine since around the middle of the 8th century. If rain was desired, the imperial emissary would bring a black horse to the shrine - the color black being symbolic of an overcast sky. Conversely, in the case of too much rain, a white horse, symbolizing bright sunlight, would be offered.

The shrine also gained a reputation as a place to pray for fortune in romance and marriage since the Heian period poet, Izumi Shikibu, was reputed to have prayed there to regain the love of her husband. Sitting by the riverbank she composed a verse describing her forlorn predicament, whereupon she is said to have heard a mysterious voice reply.